James Brockett Tudhope (1858 - 1936) Inducted 1966

James B. Tudhope will long be remembered for his philanthropy, his civic mindedness, his sense of fair play and his business acumen. At the time of his death in 1936, it was said that because of him, Orillia had become the chief industrial centre north of Toronto.

Born of Scottish pioneers in Oro in the early 1880's, he joined his father, William, in Orillia, in the carriage business that developed into a large industry, and finally entered into a merger known as Carriage Factories Ltd., of which he was president. They turned out 60,000 cutters.

The advent of the car altered the business. He joined with his brothers and together they became pioneers in motor manufacturing, turning out a motor buggy; next came a complete car, including its engine.

At the time of the disastrous fire in 1909 at the factory, though other municipalities held out inducements, J.B. stalwartly refused to abandon Orillia. During World War I, their attention turned to munitions.

At various times, Tudhope had been actively identified with Canada Wood Specialty, Canada Electric Castings, Tudhope Anderson Co., The Orillia Furniture Company, and as a director of the Traders Bank and McIntyre Mine.

His political life included councillor, reeve, and mayor and his election to the Ontario Legislature and the House of Commons. Always a generous contributor and canvasser, he backed every civic undertaking. The Orillia Presbyterian Church and its magnificent organ owe much to his generosity.

Mr. Tudhope enjoyed recreation. As a youth, he was a good lacrosse player and later took up curling. But hunting and fishing remained his favourite recreational pursuits up to the end of his long life.